Apparatus for transferring segments with annular reels



Sept. 4, 1956 H. w. BALLARD 2,761,551

APPARATUS FOR TRANSFERRING SEGA/@NTS WITH ANNULAR REELS Filed April 3, 1955 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 3 Shees-Sheet 2 H. W. BALLARD APPARATUS FOR TRANSFERRING SEGMENTS WITH ANNULAR REELS Sept. 4, 1956 Filed April 5, 195:5

SePt- 4, 1956 H. w. BALLARD 2,761,551

APPARATUS FOR TRANSFERRING SEGMENTS WITH ANNULAR REEL-S Filed April 3, 1953 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 85 c n l l /oo -1 .s1 l 52 53 5* )o `/90 v 5/ u /ol 9; ,47

G C1 C Rl 99 C @i 6?/ C C C 9/ C C C /94 52 A /92- p 73 D /05 l0? A 9\ 96 f E' l l nited States Patent() APPARATUS FOR TRANSFERRING SEGMENTS WITH ANNULAR REELS Hyde W. Ballard, West Chester, Pa., assgnor to American Viscose Corporation, Wihningtom Del., a corporation of Delaware t Application April 3, 1953, Serial No. 346,685 13 Claims. (Cl. 203-327) This invention relates to textile liber handling apparatus of the type comprising a pair of composite axially moving thread-advancing reels; and, in particular, to mechanism which automatically transfers segments from one composite thread-advancing reel assembly to another such assembly.

In the art of treating iilamentary strands usually of textile material, certain advantages are derived from the use of groups of thread-advancing reels or carriers which are supported near their ends and which are caused to move axially on the supports during rotation so that the thread or strand wound onto one of the reels aways forms helical turns axially spaced from each other. This operation permits the strands to be washed or treated in any manner desired. Customarily, the reels are positioned in vertical pairs which move in opposite axial directions. This enables the various segments to be removed successively from one end of a reel and to be installed on an adjacent end of the other reel so that the segments do not have tobe transported from one end to the other of the same reel. Naturally, a similar operation takes place at the other end of the reel assemblies so that the individual segments follow a continuous path and do not have to be reversed or otherwise handled.

Although, under certain conditions, it may be desirable or feasible to providesupports :and driving means intermediate the ends of the reels, generally speaking, the only support for the reels is at the extreme ends thereof and this support also imparts the driving impetus for the reel assembly. It will therefore be understood that the connections between the individual reel segments must be sufficiently tight to prevent serious sagging at the midposition of the reel, the connections must be self-locking at least in one direction so that torque applied to :an end segment of the reel assembly is transmitted positively throughout the entire assembly thus avoiding any slippage, and lastly, the connections between the reel segments must be so designed that each segment can be separated from succeeding segments and installed on the adjacent reel `assembly with great facility.

The present invention provides mechanism which automatically transfers the individual segments from one of the above-mentioned types of reel assembly to another adjacent assembly moving in the opposite axial direction. ln addition to the axial transfer of the segments, the invention contemplates a positively lockingtelescopic joint between the segments which is so constructed that the segments can be readily attached and disconnected to each other by mechanical means associated with the transfer mechanism. t

The primary object of the invention, therefore, is to provide a reciprocating transfer carrier movable between positions in alignment with at least two composite reel assemblies, together with means for disconnecting individual segments from the reel assemblies, means for securely positioning the segments on the carrier and then subsequently connecting the segments to a receding reel assembly all in timed sequential relation,

Patented Sept. 4, 1956 ICC A further object of the invention is to provide a transfer mechanism for composite thread-advancing reel assemblies which engages the bore of a hollow reel segment and on which the segment is axially and rotatably slidable.

A further object of the invention is to provide in 'a reel segment transfer mechanism of the type disclosed, means for simultaneously turning and axially moving an individual reel segment while it is supported on the carrier to disconnect the segment from an advancing reel assembly.

A still further object is to provide in apparatus of the type disclosed a reciprocating carrier having a spindle on which individual segments are automatically positioned together with independent actuatingmmeans which contact the periphery of each segment to turn the segments on the spindles and to simultaneously move them axially on the spindles in timed relation to the position of the reel assemblies.

A still further object of' the invention is to provide a suit-able timing and control system for sequentially actuating a reel segment transfer mechanism.

A further object of the invention is to provide a suitable control and timing mechanism for sequentially actuating the individual segment separating structure and the reciprocating segment transfer structure.

Further objects will be apparent from the specification and drawings in which:

Figure l is a side view of one end of a pair of vertically positioned thread-advancing reel assemblies and the reel segment transfer mechanism constructed in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 is a vertical section as seen at Il--Il 4of Figure l;

Figure 3 is an end view showing part of the structure of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is an enlarged section as seen at IV-IV of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional detail of the positive locking connection between individual reel segments;

Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the sequence of operations in the transfer of reel segments with the lapparatus of Figures l to 3;

Figure 7 is a wiring diagram of the control system; and t Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 5 showing the locking connection turned plus.

The invention comprises essentially the provision of a spindle or pin which is supported at one end on a carriage so that the spindle can be reciprocated from a position in line with a lirst thread-advancing reel assembly to a moved position' in line withy a second cooperating thread-advancing reel assembly. The individual segments of the reel assemblies are provided with smooth bores which readily turn and slide on and ott of the spindle by means of properly positioned biased brushes or resilient wheels. The individual segments are provided with a modified bayonettype lock joint which is so designed that the joint is disconnected by turning one segment with respect to its interlocked segment and at the same time applying the proper axial force to the segment to be disconnected. After complete disconnection, an individual segment is moved onthe spindle to a preset position to actuate the control circuits whereupon the carriage is transferred to a second position in line with the cooperating reel assembly. The transfer segment is placed in operative driving position on the end of thev receding reel assembly by simultaneously turning the segment and moving it axially along the spindle so that individual segments may, in the preferred embodiment, take the form of individual wheels or brushes which contact the periphery of the segments at an angle of approximately 45 so that when the brushes .are rotated, the segments are both turned and moved :axially on the supporting spindle of the transfer carriage. It will be understood that the present mechanism is not limited to a telescopic connection, such as shown herein, but an important feature `of the automatic transfer resides in the fact that it must be capable of disconnecting and reconnecting the individual segments without interfering in any way with the transfer of the segments and the essential functions which the segments must perform. as a part of the reel assembly.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, the framework supports the ends of cooperating threadadvancing reel assemblies 11 and 12. ln the particular embodiment illustrated, the upper reel assembly 11 is vertically positioned with respect to the lower assembly 12 and moves from left to right as seen in the drawings. The lower assembly 12 moves from right to left and a strand 13 or other filament to be treated winds on reel 12 from the bottom, around the front, over the top, and thence around the back of the reel. After leaving reel 12, the strand, thread, or yarn is carried around to the back of reel 11 up and over the top of this reel and is then taken off from the back as shown in Figure l. The upper reel 11 .is supported in rollers 14, 14 mounted on stub shafts 15, 15 which in turn are secured to the posts 10a, 10b and top plate 10c of framework 10 by brackets 16, 16. The axes of stub shafts 15, 15 are slightly canted with respect to the centerline of the reel assembly 11 so that as the reel turns, it is simultaneously advanced axially through or between the posts 10a and 10b. Since reel 11 moves from left to right, there is no necessity for driving means at the discharge end of the reel. It will be understood that as the indivi-dual reel segments A, A pass beyond the support of rollers 14, 14, they are free to be disconnected and transferred to the lower reel assembly 12.

Since reel 12 is driven from right to left, the means for driving this reel may take the form shown in Figures l and 2 in which a plurality of flanged rollers 17, 17 guide a flat belt 18 which substantially surrounds the periphery of the reel assembly 12 and ,is carried to a suitable driving pulley 19 mounted on post 10b as shown in Figure 2. Driving means for the pulley 19 is not shown but may take the form of any well known suitably interconnected source of power. The pulleys 17, 17 are supported on stub shafts 20, 20 mounted in brackets 21, 21 and the centerlines of shafts 20 are likewise canted or biased with respect to the centerline of reel assembly 12. Under these conditions, the reel 12 is continuously advanced from right to left as it is turned by the belt 18.

To insure that there is no slipping between the individual reel segments either axially or rotatably, I provide an improved quick-detachable and self-locking pin joint for the segments (Figures 5 and 8). Each individual reel segment A is provi-ded with a male connection or extension which is of smaller diameter than the periphery of the segment. This extension 25 .is slightly rounded or beveled at 26 and is so designed that it has a smooth sliding t in the opposite end of a similar segment. The eX- tension 25 is also provided with a biased slot or groove 27 which receives a locking pin 28 secured in the female connection or sleeve 29 of each segment.

Several features of this joint cooperate to provide a satisfactory non-sagging detachable connection for the reel segments. The bores 30, 30 of each segment are substantially uniform in diameter and may be suitably treated to assist the proper disconnecting sequence of operations as described more particularly hereinafter, As shown in Figure 5, eachslot or groove 27 has a diverging mouth or entrance and one side wall 27a of the slot is, in effect, carried entirely around the periphery of the extension 25 to guide the pin 28 securely into the slot. The base 31 of each slot is so shaped that the pin 28 will not become wedged in the slot. Nevertheless, turning force applied to the segment always urges the pin towards the base of the slot so that the annular shoulder 32 defining the inner terminus of extension 25 is held at all times securely against the periphery of sleeve 29 on the connected segment. It should be noted that the axial length of extension 25 is somewhat less than the axial length of the sleeve 29 so that the end of the sleeve never bottoms against the end of bore 30. Furthermore, the base 31 is relieved, as shown in Figure 5, where wall 27a begins so that there will be no contact between this wall and the pin 28. This feature prevents any likelihood that the pin would become pinched or jammed in slot 27. The inner edge 29a of sleeve 29 may also be slightly countersunk to facilitate insertion of the extension 25 into the sleeve 29. It will be understood that the above details of the locking joint for the segments cooperate with the hereinafter described transfer and segment control means to provide the desired satisfactory operation of the mechanism.

Referring now to Figures l and 2, the carrier or mechanism for transferring the segments comprises a spindle or pin 40 securely supported in a carriage 41 slidable in vertical ways 42 and 43 of Figure 3. Ways 42 and 43 are secured to top plate 10c by welding or other suitable means and likewise at the bottom to plate 44 connected to posts 10d and 10e, all a part of framework 1G. The block or carriage 41 is actuated in ways 42 and 43 by means of a fluid cylinder 46 mounted on the ways having a piston rod 47 connected to a lug 48 on the block. With the spindle 40 in the raised position shown in Figure l in line with reel 11, the relatively slow axial movement of the reel causes the endmost segment Ai to gradually engage the spin-dle 40 which is positioned to receive the segment before it has advanced far enough to cause interference between the end of the segment and the spindle. This is readily accomplished by means of the timing mechanism to be described more fully hereinafter. With the spindle 40 in line with the bore of segment Ai, the upper reel assembly slowly moves axially until this segment is well supported on the spindle and the succeeding segment A2 is completely supported by rollers 14, 14. At this point shown generally in Figure 1, a switch S1 is closed to start the motors 51 and 52 which may be conveniently supported on posts 10a and 10b respectively as shown in Figure 2 by means of brackets 53 and 54. Each motor shaft carries a resilient wheel in the form of brushes or rubber covered wheels 55 and 56 so spaced that the advancing segment A1 substantially compresses the wheels 55 and 56. The shafts of the motors as well as the shaft supporting the wheels are biased at an angle of approximately and the point of contact between the brushes or wheels and the periphery of the segments lies substantially in a horizontal plane passing through the center c-f each segment.

When motors 51 and 52 are starrted, both wheels 55 t and 56 turn in a clockwise direction as seen in Figure 2.

This action not only turns the segment Ai in a counterclockwise direction thereby disconnecting it from its succeeding segment A2 but it also advances the segment onto the spindle 40. When the segment A1 is moved completely along the spindle 40, it seats or bottoms against the carriage 41. At or just prior to the time when the segment is fully positioned on the spindle 40, a second switch Sz suspended from top plate 10c, is also closed thereby energizing a relay R1 (Figure 7) which closes a circuit to solenoid 60. This solenoid actuates a spring-loaded piston 61 in uid valve 62, thus directing uid under pressure to the top of cylinder 46 through conduit 63. The bottom of cylinder 46 is simultaneously connected to a sump or discharge line 64 through conduit 65. Pressure line 66 may be connected to a Suitable source of fluid pressure (not shown) such as an air or hydraulic pump. Introduction of fluid through conduit 63 into cylinder 46 retracts the carriage 41 through connecting rod 47, thus lowering the carriage and the reel segment A1 along ways 42 and 43. When the carriage reaches a position in line with reel assembly 12, the carriage comes to rest against an adjustable stop 67.

At this point the periphery of reel segment A1 actuates switch S3 supported on lower cross-frame member 101 This inftturn closes a circuit to motor 69 mounted on frame member f so that the centerline of the motor lies in a horizontal plane parallel to the centerline of the spindle 40 and in a vertical plane set at an angle substantially 45 to the centerline of the spindle. Motor 69 is provided with a brush 70 or other suitable resilient surface which has sufficient frictional contact with the periphery of segment A1 to turn the segment on spindle 40 and also to slide the segment axially with respect to the spindle. In addition, however, the frictional contact between brush 70 and the segment A1 should permit relative Vturning of the brush on the segment without damage when the segment is securely connected to reel 12 and until the reel and the thus connected segment are advanced to a point that the reel is supported and driven by belt 18 acting only on the periphery of the last connected segment such asAi. Otherwise, continued turning of reel 12 by belt 18 would disconnect the last segment to be added.

Although not strictly necessary, I have shown a pair of swiveling rollers 75, 75 mounted on brackets 76, 76 which are in turn connected to posts 10a and 10b respectively. These rollers are free swiveling and the axis of each roller always passes through the centerline of the swivel to facilitate following the movement of the segments as they are being transferred from the spindle 40 to the reel 12. Depending upon the weight and length of the segments, these rollers may oe ydispensed with or additional sets may be added as circumstances require.

To allow ample overlap in the sequence of operations of this device, it is assumed that the axial movement of reels 11 and 12 is relatively slow and that the movement of carriage 41 is fast so that the transfer of the individual segments can be made as soon as the leading segment in reel 11 contacts switch S1. At this point the trailing edge of the last segment in reel 12 will be clear of the next succeeding segment A2 when it is lowered by carriage 41. Providing thetransfer is made before the last segment in reel 12 passes from control of belt 18, this timing is not critical. Since the operation of the brush 70 is again relatively fast, the segment to be connected to reel 12 will be quickly moved into place and the positive connection, as shown in Figure 5, will thus be provided before the segment is clear of spindle 40. Continued operation of motor 69, however, maintains thisconnection until not only is the segment A1 completely engaged by belt 18 but the trailing edge of segment A1 clears the end of the spindle so that the spindle can be raised. A switch S1 is mounted on frame member 10g in such a manner that the Contact arm or roller 77 is in an unactuated position when the carriage and segment reach their fully lowered position, as shown in broken lines in Figure l. As the segment is advanced axially towards reel 12, the leading edge of the segment moves past roller 77 closing switch S4. As will be explained more fully in connection with Figure 7, this switch serves to hold the circuit for motor 69 after the trailing edge of the segment has passed beyond the roller or arm 78 of switch S3 in order to insure that the segment continues in proper drivingly connected association with the reel 12. When the segment now connected to the reel has advanced to the point that the belt 18 fully drives the reel and also to the point when the trailing edge of the segment is clear of the end of spindle 40, arm 77 returns to its normal unactuated position, thus opening switch S4 which in turn de-energizes solenoid 60 permitting the spring 79 to actuate piston 61. This actuation of piston 61 in cylinder 62 reverses the ow of uid into cylinder 46 so that the carriage and empty spindle are raised to the initial position shown in Figure 1. The apparatus is thereupon ready to repeat the transfer cycle.

The segment transfer mechanism at the opposite end of reels 11 and 12 will be substantially the same except that the location of the connecting `mechanism will be at the top ofthe frame and the disconnecting mechanism will be at the bottom.

Referring now to Figure 7, the electrical circuit which may be used to provide the proper timed sequence of operations for the motors and carriage comprises the four switches S1, S2, S3 and S1 and the two relays R1 and R2. It is to be understood that I have illustrated herein one operative form of ldevice for effecting movement of the carriage and brushes. Other electrical devices, such as photo-electric cells can, of course, be used or the actuating mechanism may be completely hydraulic if desired. One side of a main source of electrical current is -connected directly to both motors 51, 52 and solenoid 60 through conductor 86. The other side of the main power source is connected to switch S1 through conductor 87 and thence to motors 51 and 52 thereby completing the circuit to the motors. It will be thus observed that whenever switch S1 is closed, both motors 51 and 52 are running. As the segment A1 continues to advance after the closing of switch S1 the leading edge of the segment closes switch S2. This switch is connected to one side of a source of relatively low voltage current 88 through conductor 39 and to the winding of relay R1. Closing of the switch S2 energizes relay R1 through conductors 89, 90 and 91, the last one of which is tapped onto the other side of the low `voltage power line 88. Energizing of relay R1 closes a holding circuit for relay R1 through contacts 92 of relay R1, conductor 93, contacts 94 of relay R2 and conductor 95. In addition, a circuit to solenoid 60 is closed through conductors 86 and 96, contacts 97 of relay R1 and conductor 93. As soon as solenoid 60 is energized, the carriage 41 descends, as described above, but switch S1 automatically opens when the periphery of segment A1 moves away from the switch arm. Thus, motors 51 and S2 are stopped when the carriage begins to descend.

At the point when the periphery of the segment on the descending carriage actuates roller 78 of switch S3, relay R2 is energized through conductors 89, 99, 100, 101 and 91. This energization of relay R2 breaks the holding circuit for relay R1 at contacts 94 and simultaneously closes a holding circuit for solenoid 60 through contacts 105, conductors 106, 107 and 98. At the same time, motor 69 is started when contacts 103 on relay R2 are closed, and this is ei'ected through con-ductors 98, 107, 109 and 110. As the segment A1 is moved axially on spindle 40, as described above, the trailing edge of the segment eventually passes beyond the roller 78, thus opening switch S3. However, before switch S3 is opened,

' switch S4 has been closed by the leading edge of the segment so that relay R2 continues to be energized through conductors 91, 101, 111, 99 and S9. In effect switches S3 and S4 are connected in parallel with each other. With solenoid 60 held energized the carriage 41 is held in position against stop 67 by duid pressure. When the segment A1 has moved sufficiently far so that the trailing edge of the segment clears switch S1, this switch opens the holding circuit to relay Rz, thus deenergizing it. This in turn stops motor 69, tie-energizes solenoid 60 and immediately permits spring 79 to return the valve in cylinder 62 to its opposite position, thus reversing the fluid ow in cylinder 46. Such reversal connects uid conduit 63 with discharge conduit 64, and fluid conduit 65 withlpressure conduit 66, thus raising carriage 41 to the upper initial position shown in Figures 1-3. The upper position of the carriage can likewise be conveniently controlled for alignment with reel 11 by,

means of an adjustabe stop 115. This completes the operating cycle and the spindle 40 is now positioned ready to receive the next succeeding segment delivered from reel 11.

It will thus be understood that I have provided a simple and effective means for automatically transforming the segments in a thread-advancing reel device from one reel assembly to another. Also, many variations and modiications can be made within the scope of the invention depending upon the size and speed of the apparatus to which the invention is applied. For example, the motors 51 and 52 can remain running at all times if desired so that it is not essential to start and stop these motors for every segment transfer. Determination of this factor, of course, depends upon the speed with which the reel segments are delivered to the spindle.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

l. In transfer mechanism for composite thread-advancing reel assemblies and the like, the combination that comprises a framework, a rst composite threadadvancing reel assembly supported by said framework, said reel assembly being both rotatable and axially movable, a second composite thread-advancing reel assembly supported by said framework, said second reel assembly being both rotatable and axially movable with respect to the framework, means for axially moving at least one of said reel assemblies, a carriage movable in the framework and positioned in axial spaced relation to each of the reel assemblies, means for bringing the carriage into alignment with each of the reel assemblies, means for moving the carriage between said aligned positions, means for contacting the periphery of an endmost reel segment on one of the reel assemblies, means for disconnecting said endmost segment from its associated reel, a spindle supported on the carriage, means for advancing said segment to a supported position on the carriage supported spindle when the carriage is at one of said aligned positions, means for discharging said reel segment from the carriage when the carriage supported spindle is moved to the other of said aligned positions, and means for connecting said discharged segment to the other of said reel assemblies.

2. In transfer mechanism for composite thread-advancing reel assemblies and the like, the combination that comprises a framework, a first thread-advancing reel assembly supported in said framework, said reel assembly being both rotatable and axially movable in said framework, a second thread-advancing reel assembly supported in said framework, said second reel assembly being both rotatable and axially movable in the framework, means on the framework for axially moving at least one of said reel assemblies, a carriage movable in the framework in axial spaced relation to each of the reel assemblies, means for aligning the carriage at a stationary position opposite each of the reel assemblies, means for moving the carriage between said aligned positions, a spindle on said carriage for receiving individual reel segments, means for contacting the periphery of an individual reel segment and advancing said segment onto the spindle when the carriage is at one of said aligned positions, and means for simultaneously rotating and axially discharging said reel segment from the spindle when the carriage is moved to the other of said aligned positions.

3. In transfer mechanism for composite thread-advancing reel assemblies and the like, the combination that comprises a framework, a first thread-advancing reel assembly supported in said framework, said reel assembly being both rotatable and axially movable in said framework, a second thread-advancing reel assembly supported in said framework, said second reel assembly being both rotatable and axially movable in the framework, means on the framework for axially moving at least one of said reel assemblies, a carriage movable in the framework in axial spaced relation to each of the reel assemblies, means for aligning the carriage at a stationary position opposite each of the reel assemblies, means for moving the carriage between said aligned positions, a spindle on said carriage for receiving individual reel segments, means including a motor-driven brush for contacting the periphery of an individual reel segment and advancing said segment onto the spindle when the carriage is at one of said aligned positions, means including a motor-driven brush for simultaneously rotating and axially discharging said reel segment from the spindle when the carriage is moved to the other of said aligned positions, and means for connecting said segment to the other of said reel assemblies.

4. In transfer mechanism for composite thread-advancing reel assemblies and the like, the combination that comprises a framework, a first thread-advancing reel assembly supported in said framework, said reel assembly being both rotatable and axially movable in said framework, a second thread-advancing reel assembly supported in said framework, said second reel assembly being both rotatable and axially movable in the framework, means on the framework for axially moving at least one of said reel assemblies, a carriage movable in the framework in axial spaced relation to each of the reel assemblies, means for aligning the carriage at a stationary position opposite each of the reel assemblies, means for moving the carriage between said aligned positions, a spindle on said carriage for receiving individual reel segments, means including a motor-driven brush for contacting the periphery of an individual reel segment and advancing said segment onto the spindle when the carriage is at one of said aligned positions, means including a motor-driven brush for simultaneously rotating and axially discharging said reel segment from the spindle when the carriage is moved to the other of said aligned positions, and a rotationally lockable driving connection between the segments of each of said reel assemblies.

5. In transfer mechanism for composite thread-advancing reel assemblies and the like, the combination that comprises a framework, a rst thread-advancing reel assembly supported in said framework, said reel assembly being both rotatable and axially movable in said framework, a second thread-advancing reel assembly supported in said framework, said second reel assembly being both rotatable and axially movable in the framework, means on the framework for axially moving at least one of said reel assemblies, a carriage movable in the framework in axial spaced relation to each of the reel assemblies, means for aligning the carriage at a stationary position opposite each of the reel assemblies, means for moving the carriage between said aligned positions, a spindle on said carriage for receiving individual reel segments, means including a motor-driven brush for contacting the periphery of an individual reel segment and advancing said segment onto the spindle when the carriage is at one of said aligned positions, means including a motor-driven brush for simultaneously rotating and axially discharging said reel segment from the spindle when the carriage is moved to the other of said aligned positions, and a rotationally lockable and unlockable driving connection between the segments of each of said reel assemblies.

6. Apparatus in accordance with claim 5 in which the connection comprises a pin projecting radially into the bore of one of said segments, a helical slot in the opposite end of said segment, a shoulder in axial spaced relation to the bottom of said slot, the pin, shoulder, and bottom of the slot being so positioned with respect to each other that the edge of a connected segment abuts the shoulder before the pin seats in the bottom of the slot.

7. Apparatus in accordance with claim 5 in which each segment is of generally cylindrical construction having a bore of a diameter providing a sliding iit on the spindle, a female connection at one end of each segment comprising an enlarged bore concentric with the first bore, a pin projecting radially inward into said enlarged bore, a male connection on the `opposite end of each segment comprising a shank of reduced diameter, an annular shoulder defining the junction between said shank and the periphery of the segment, and a biased slot in said shank adapted to cooperate with the pin in an adjoining segment, the distance from the pin to the edge of each segment at the female end being greater than the distance from the inner terminus of said slot to the shoulder.

8. Apparatus in accordance with claim 7 in which the terminus lof each segment in the female end is countersunk.

9. Apparatus in accordance with claim 7 in which the terminus of each segment at the male end is beveled.

10. Apparatus in accordance with claim 7 in which the face of the male connection on each segment provides a helical continuation of one wall of the slot.

11. In transfer mechanis-m for composite thread-advancing reel assemblies and the like, the combination that comprises a framework, a rst thread-advancing reel assembly supported in said framework, said reel assembly being both rotatable and axially movable in said framework, a second thread-advancing reel assembly supported in said framework, said second reel assembly being both rotatable and axially movable in the framework, means on the framework for axially moving at least one of said reel assemblies, a carriage movable in the framework in axial spaced relation to each of the reel assemblies, means for aligning the carriage at a stationary position opposite each of the reel assemblies, a fluid actuated cylinder connected to the carriage for moving the carriage between said aligned positions, a valve associated with said cylinder for selectively introducing iiuid into opposite ends of the cylinder, a spindle on said carriage for receiving individual reel segments, means including a motor-driven brush lfor contacting the periphery of an individual reel segment and advancing said segment onto the spindle when the carriage is at one of said aligned positions, means responsive to the position of one of said individual reel segments on the spindle for actuating said valve, means for starting and stopping said motor-driven brush, means including a motor-driven brush for simultaneously rotating and axially discharging said reel segment from the spindle when the carriage is moved to the other of said aligned positions, means at said second moved position for starting and stopping said motordriven discharge brush, means for connecting said segment to the other of said reel assemblies, and means for de-actuating the valve to move the carriage to the first of said aligned positions.

12. Apparatus in accordance with claim 11 in which the means for actuating the valve is a solenoid and a plurality of position-responsive switches for closing an electrical circuit to said solenoid.

13, Apparatus in accordance with claim l2 having a position-responsive switch on the framework for starting the advancing motor-driven brush when one of the reel segments has advanced onto the pindle, a second position-responsive switch located on the framework for closing the circuit to the solenoid when said segment is substantially bottomed on the spindle, a third positionresponsive switch mounted on the framework adjacent the moved carriage position, said third switch closing a I circuit to the discharge motor-driven brush when contacted by the periphery of the segment, and a fourth position-responsive switch mounted on the framework to open the circuit to the solenoid when the segment has cleared the end of the spindle.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,479,583 Carey Ian. 1, 1924 2,106,469 Seil Jan. 25, 1938 2,166,609 Putnam July 18, 1939 2,328,988 Martin Sept. 7, 1943 2,677,167 Ewing May 4, 1954 

2. IN TRANSFER MECHANISM FOR FOR COMPOSITE THREAD-ADVANCING REEL ASSEMBLIES AND THE LIKE, THE COMBINATION THAT COMPRSISES A FRAMEWORK, A FIRST THREAD-ADVANCING REEL ASSEMBLY SUPPORTED IN SAID FRAMEWORK, SAID REEL ASSEMBLY BEING BOTH ROTATABLE AND AXIALLY MOVABLE IN SAID FRAMEWORK, A SECOND THREAD-ADVANCING REEL ASSEMBLY SUPPORTED IN SAID FRAMEWORK, SAID SECOND REEL ASSEMBLY BEING BOTH ROTATABLE AND AXIALLY MOVABLE IN THE FRAMEWORK, MEANS ON THE FRAMEWORK FOR AXIALLY MOVING AT LEAST ONE OF SAID REEL ASSEMBLIES, A CARRIAGE MOVABLE IN THE FRAMEWORK IN AXIAL SPACED RELATION TO EACH OF REEL ASSEMBLIES, MEANS 